Feminine Fusion

March 2 – 8, 2019: Women of Color: Performers, Part 3

by Diane Jones

March 2, 2019

Ruby Elzy as Serena, (Porgy and Bess, 1935)

“I became aware that it was an issue, somehow, that I was a black violinist in this beautifully elite, wonderful place…and that someone else cared about it.”  – Jessie Montgomery

This week we hear music from women of color, including the talented sopranos who originated the roles of Bess and Serena in George Gershwin’s opera “Porgy and Bess.”  Plus, the first woman and first African American to join the Juilliard Quartet.

Women of Color: Performers, Part 3

Vincenzo Bellini:  Vaneggia! Il passo sgombrisi (from La straniera)
Pretty Yende, soprano; Piero Pretti, tenor
Giuseppi Verdi Symphony Orchestra of Milan; Giacomo Sagripanto, conductor
“Dreams”
Sony Classical 88985430152

George Gershwin:  My Man’s Gone Now (from Porgy and Bess)
Ruby Elzy, soprano
CBS Symphony Orchestra
“Ruby Elzy in Song”
Cambria 1154

George Gershwin:  What You Want Wid Bess? and I Loves You, Porgy (from Porgy and Bess)
Anne Brown, soprano
Leo Reisman & His Orchestra
“Porgy & Bess (Selections)”
Decca 1105202

J.S. Bach:  Goldberg Variation No. 1 Aria, BWV 988
Catalyst Quartet
(Karla Donehew-Perez & Jessie Montgomery, violins)
“Bach/Gould Project”
Azica 71300

Cécile McLorin Salvant:  Red Instead
Catalyst Quartet
Cécile McLorin Salvant, vocals
“Dreams and Daggers”
Mack Avenue 1120

Mario Davidovsky:  Fragments
Juilliard String Quartet
(Astrid Schween, cello)
“Juilliard String Quartet: Beethoven, Davidovsky, Bartok”
Sony Classical 19075884542

John Williams:  On Willows and Branches
Ann Hobson Pilot, harp
Boston Symphony Orchestra; Shi-Yeon Sung, conductor
“On Willows and Branches, Concerto for Harp and Orchestra”
Boston Symphony Orchestra

Run time:  58:30

Feminine Fusion highlights the roles of women in classical music. Host Diane Jones brings you stories and music of the women who create, perform, and inspire. Produced in the studios at WCNY-FM.